Banking on the Future: RBC Invests in Host of Initiatives for Black Community

As presenting sponsor of this year’s Harry Jerome Awards, RBC is proud to continue its decade-long relationship with the Black Business Professionals Association (BBPA), and reaffirm its long-standing commitment to Toronto’s Black Community.

RBC’s Regional President for the Greater Toronto Region Jennifer Tory says the sponsorship aligns perfectly with RBC’s multi-faceted efforts to support local programs that celebrate diversity and encourage the potential of future generations.

“As part of RBC’s core value to promote diversity for growth and innovation, we pride ourselves on supporting organizations that celebrate diversity, inspire our community, encourage business and professional excellence, and make it easier for youth to achieve their dreams,” Tory said. “RBC is proud to support the BBPA in its efforts to nurture success and celebrate outstanding achievements in Canada’s Black community.”

As a recognized leader in financial services, philanthropy and diversity leadership, RBC makes it a priority to invest in a wide range of organizations that make a difference and inspire others. For example, as presenting sponsor of the 2010 Olympic Torch Relay and Winter Olympics, RBC brought the Create a Better Canada experience to hundreds of communities across Canada. As part of this sponsorship, RBC also made it possible for three youth involved with the BBPA to carry the Olympic Flame here in Ontario.

RBC also places an ongoing emphasis on working with local community groups, including the BBPA, to ensure youth have access to post-secondary education and that successful role models are visible in the community. RBC sponsors the BBPA National Scholarships Fund, providing two scholarships of $5,000 each, and is a sponsor of the Leaders of Tomorrow conference.

RBC held an essay contest for Grade 12 students, asking them to describe how their culture is inspiring them to create a positive community. Sabar Omer from C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute won first prize and a $1,000 scholarship from the RBC Foundation. La Toya Griffiths from C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute came second, with Aleksandar Tanasic from Fletcher’s Meadow Secondary School earning third.

To celebrate Black History Month, RBC hosts an event for students to celebrate the past achievements of Black Canadians and inspire youth to achieve future success. This year’s event included a panel of local Black leaders, performances from the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, and presentations from the Ontario Black History Society. RBC also donated $25,000 to the Toronto Public Library to support Black History Month and expand the Rita Cox Black & Caribbean Heritage Collection.

To learn more about RBC’s philanthropic efforts, scholarships and youth employment initiatives visit rbc.com/responsibility to read the RBC Blueprint for Doing Better. To find out more out the RBC Diversity Blueprint visit rbc.com/diversity.